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Helping through touch: The embodiment of caring.
1School of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas.
Journal of Religion and Health
|November 27, 2013
Summary
Touch is a powerful, mysterious force in relationships and healthcare. This paper explores its meanings and dynamics, encouraging care providers to embrace empathic touch to embody care.
Area of Science:
- Human interaction and communication
- Psychology and therapeutic relationships
Background:
- Touch is a fundamental aspect of human connection.
- Its role in therapeutic and relational contexts is complex and multifaceted.
- Understanding the nuances of touch can enhance caregiving practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the diverse meanings and applications of touch.
- To reflect on the significance of touch within relational and helping contexts.
- To encourage healthcare providers to integrate empathic touch into their practice.
Main Methods:
- This paper employs a reflective approach.
- It examines the dynamics and meanings associated with touch.
- No specific protocol for touch is proposed.
Main Results:
- Reflection clarifies the multifaceted nature of touch.
- Embracing touch can deepen the connection between care providers and recipients.
- Empathic touch is identified as a powerful tool for embodying care.
Conclusions:
- Considered use of empathic touch is supported.
- Touch possesses a unique power to convey care and enhance relationships.
- Further exploration of touch dynamics in caregiving is encouraged.
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